Film On Surface

[JArtiles305]

My 10 gallon tank has begun to get a film on it's surface anyone have a clue what it is? It's almost hazy and has little bubbles trapped in it.

 

[wendywc]

Is there a betta in it? If so, it's because they blow bubbles & bubblenests with their saliva and you just need to skim the surface every once in a while.

 

[JArtiles305]

My 10 gallon tank has begun to get a film on it's surface anyone have a clue what it is? It's almost hazy and has little bubbles trapped in it.

No, Betta Currently. Just a film. I had a Swordtail die today mysteriously though. He was acting strange for two days hiding in a corner and out of no where just died.

 

[Tolak]

Probably due to not enough surface motion, along with the food you are feeding.

 

[Bullrock74]

My 10 gallon tank has begun to get a film on it's surface anyone have a clue what it is? It's almost hazy and has little bubbles trapped in it.

I used to feed my fish freeze-dried bloodworms, but I stopped becuase it produced a slimy film on the surface of my water even though my Emperor 400 power filter creates a significant current at the surface of the water. I would bet the film is from something you are feeding them.

 

[reddannyh]

Your tank isn't in the kitchen is it? Because as stupid as it sounds, smoke and steam from your cooking gets attracted to the tank water and leaves a greasy film on the surface. A good way to get rid of it is to agitate the waters surface either with an aimed filter outlet or an airstone.

 

[ncjharris]

I used to feed my fish freeze-dried bloodworms, but I stopped becuase it produced a slimy film on the surface of my water

That could have answered my question as to why our puffer tank has the a slimy coating too!

 

[Nina]

I remember asking a similar question at our of our LFS and they told me that it was too much protien and to use something like kitchen towels to soak it up off the top.

How true this is however I have no idea.

 

[Neal]

It's probably lack of surface movement and build up of dust/whatever on the water, just do a water change and aggitate it...
HTH,
Neal

 

[JArtiles305]

Thanks guys.

The Aquarium is not in the kitchen. It might be surface agitation, or the food. I'll see what I can figure out. I was just worried it'd be harmful for the fish.

 

[JArtiles305]

Did a water change this Sunday. The film is still there. I also raised the Whisper 10 to full blast and although it's creating a good flow under water the top film isn't moving.

 

[andywg]

Sounds like a protein film built up from a high conecntration of dissolved organic proteins. The best way to get rid of it is to drag a newspaper or paper towel across the surface. Eventually you will get rid of it. Higher surface agitation and a more rigorous feeding regime should prevent a recurrence (if my supposition is correct).

 

[JArtiles305]

I did a complete tear down of the tank yesterday. I added Eco Complete, planted heavily, and have not fed the fish. Today the right side of the tank is starting to get filmy again. If you touch it with your hand it's almost goey.

Anyone have any solutions to this?

 

[WayneVT08]

Pictures?